The dust is settled from hundreds of plane trips to and from Indianapolis, free agency is on the horizon and everyone has a little more clarity about each NFL team’s draft and offseason strategy after last week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
That includes The Athletic’s beat reporters, who stood through hours of pressers and combed through many a combine measurement, 40-yard dash time and rumor last week. What stood out most to our writers and what’s worth watching for each NFL team now that the calendar has turned to March? You’ll find answers below.
Arizona Cardinals
As expected, bolstering the defensive line and pass rush is a top priority. Coach Jonathan Gannon said disrupting the quarterback is the best way to improve defensively, an area that could lift the Cardinals from four wins to eight to the playoffs. The best news for Arizona is that GM Monti Ossenfort has cap space to upgrade through free agency as well (he promised Arizona would be active), so the Cardinals have multiple avenues to pursue. But given the draft’s depth in defensive tackles and pass rushers, the Cardinals should have an opportunity to find what they need in the first or second round. — Doug Haller
Advertisement
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are sticking to their story about Kirk Cousins, whether anyone outside of Atlanta believes it or not. Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot continue to insist they’d be happy to have Cousins back as the No. 2 quarterback, and there’s no reason to release the veteran. The league’s response in Indianapolis was essentially, “Oh yeah, what about that $10 million roster bonus Cousins is due on March 17 and a potentially fractious locker room in the season?” It won’t be much longer before we learn which side blinks first. If the Falcons can salvage any trade value for the quarterback, they’ll be the big winners at the table. — Josh Kendall
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens stick tightly to a “best-player available” process, so they won’t go into this draft determined to address one specific position with the No. 27 pick. However, if you look at their needs and this draft class, it’s a pretty safe bet that an edge rusher will get strong consideration. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, Georgia’s Mykel Williams, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku probably won’t all be available, but a couple of them almost certainly will be and they’ll garner strong interest from a team that needs to add an explosive edge rusher. This draft feels like the time to do it. — Jeff Zrebiec
Buffalo Bills
The No. 30 selection is a bit of an unknown due to all the inherent draft variables. The Bills would likely look at an edge rusher, wide receiver, defensive tackle or cornerback, with a stronger emphasis on the first two. But interestingly, GM Brandon Beane didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d trade their first-round pick for someone who made sense and could help them now.
“Yes. I would not flinch. I say this on the golf course. I’m a lot of things, but scared ain’t one of ’em.”
Beane has only traded his first-round pick once before, and that was for Stefon Diggs in 2020, when he felt the team was close to taking the next step. Only three points shy of a Super Bowl berth, Beane’s highest impact on their championship chances could be in trading No. 30 away. — Joe Buscaglia
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft No. 1 pick odds: A quarterback still tops the list after NFL Combine
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were clear at the combine about wanting to fix a defense that gave up more points than any other team in NFL history in 2024. We learned they plan to do so by taking some big swings in free agency, similar to what they did last year with the offensive line.
The Panthers won’t fill all their defensive needs in free agency. But keep an eye on names like Eagles LB Zack Baun, Eagles DT Milton Williams, Broncos NT D.J. Jones (who has ties to Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero) and some of the top free agent safeties. The idea is to get the depth chart to a place where GM Dan Morgan can go best player available in the draft. – Joseph Person
Advertisement
Chicago Bears
The Bears won’t be afraid to double-dip and use premium free-agent and draft resources on either — or both — lines. When considering a hypothetical about how a free-agent splash at edge rusher would preclude the Bears from taking one at No. 10, GM Ryan Poles disagreed with the suggestion, saying, “You can’t have enough good ones.” The same could be said about the offensive line, as the buzz in Indianapolis is the Bears are expected to sign two interior linemen, but they need at least three new starters. The Bears need all the good linemen they can get. — Kevin Fishbain
Cincinnati Bengals
We learned the Bengals are open to a new style of edge rusher under Al Golden. All previous major investments at edge, whether through the draft or free agency, were minimum 6-3, 263 pounds. Now, there’s a clear willingness to go smaller with a speed rusher off the edge, a weapon they’ve lacked under former DC Lou Anarumo. This draft is full of lighter edges. Going down into the 240s would likely be too far, considering the style of the AFC North, but keep an open mind when dissecting this edge group. The Bengals sound open to going below previous weight minimums and dipping into the lighter benders. — Paul Dehner Jr.
Cleveland Browns
If the Browns want Cam Ward, they’ll likely have to trade up to the No. 1 pick to get him. By all accounts, Ward impressed teams in interviews in Indianapolis and has emerged as the clear No. 1 quarterback in this class by at least some margin. There’s no certainty regarding the rest of the quarterback class, and though Ward going No. 1 is not set in stone, the prevailing thought leaving the combine seemed to be that the Browns have the No. 2 pick in a draft that has one quarterback in the top tier. Perhaps the Browns will fall in love with another passer, or maybe they’ll be among the bidders if Tennessee holds an auction for the top pick. — Zac Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
It would be surprising if the team selected a running back in the first round. It’s not off the table, especially with a player like Ashton Jeanty in the mix. He could very well be the best player available when the Cowboys get on the clock. However, at this point, it feels like the Cowboys would be more content trading back and loading up on more draft picks than taking a player at a position that is remarkably deep in this draft class. — Saad Yousuf
Denver Broncos
The Broncos know they need to upgrade their running back and tight end spots, but they aren’t limiting their options with the No. 20 pick. I got the feeling in Indianapolis that Denver would love to add a young, dynamic player to an already talented defensive front. Inside linebacker and safety are other needs on defense. The Broncos could also use another corner, perhaps with the versatility to play inside at the nickel spot. I get the sense the Broncos will add at least depth options at running back and tight end in free agency so they can truly be open to anything with their top pick. — Nick Kosmider
Advertisement
Detroit Lions
One thing Lions GM Brad Holmes said at the combine, when asked what he learned during the 2024 trade deadline, is that teams aren’t just looking to give away their star pass rushers. No surprise there.
However, his words coincide with a report out of Indy that the Lions were the team most interested in acquiring Myles Garrett at the deadline. And while Holmes said they’re probably not going to be able to afford a second star pass-rusher — presumably after extending Aidan Hutchinson — the interest is worth noting. Garrett is worth checking on, even if he hasn’t been made available as the Browns continue to stand firm.
Regardless, the Lions could use a long-term edge to pair with Hutchinson, and if the combine is any indication, they’re doing their homework. They met with Marshall’s Mike Green, Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, among others. I’d be surprised if they don’t walk away with one or two new pass rushers this offseason. — Colton Pouncy
Green Bay Packers
We learned that general manager Brian Gutekunst at least has the green light from president Mark Murphy to trade the Packers’ first-round pick despite the draft being in Green Bay. That was never truly a question, but fans had begun the narrative online that the Packers wouldn’t trade No. 23 overall in order to keep fans outside Lambeau Field on that Thursday night. Trading that pick was part of the discussion to deal for a veteran edge rusher such as Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson, who the Packers could only acquire if they part with at least their 2025 first-round selection.
Gutekunst, who only has seven picks in the draft, was also asked about the potential of trading out of the first round to acquire more selections and how that might anger fans waiting outside. “I won’t be on that stage,” Gutekunst quipped, referencing the boos Commissioner Roger Goodell would eat after announcing such a trade. — Matt Schneidman
Houston Texans
With limited resources to use in free agency (Houston projects to have roughly $4 million in cap space), the Texans will rely on the draft to meet key needs. When he spoke to reporters at the combine, general manager Nick Caserio used the Eagles as an example of the approach he plans to take to the offseason – shrewd moves in free agency to land a few key veterans, and a heavy pursuit of homegrown talent. So, look for the Texans to use early picks to fortify the interior of their offensive line while also trying to acquire a weapon or two for C.J. Stroud, whose receiving unit has been decimated by injury. — Mike Jones
Indianapolis Colts
Colts GM Chris Ballard announced at the combine that the team will host an open QB competition this offseason, which was a bit jarring to hear considering Indy drafted Anthony Richardson with the fourth pick in 2023. However, injuries, inaccuracy and immaturity – Richardson was benched for two games last year due to a lack of game preparation – have been the theme of his first two seasons. Now, the Colts claim to be looking for “real competition” to challenge Richardson, but their options are very limited given the typically-underwhelming QB free agency market. — James Boyd
Advertisement
Jacksonville Jaguars
Sitting at No. 5, the Jaguars are in great position to draft the first or second offensive lineman, and they surely need that help in the trenches. Coach Liam Coen knows he must prioritize the protection of Trevor Lawrence to maximize the QB’s development during what they hope will be a pivotal turnaround season.
LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou should be two candidates at that spot. Barring an unexpected trade up for an offensive lineman, the Patriots at No. 4 appear to be the only threat to snag a tackle before Jacksonville is on the clock. — Jeff Howe
Kansas City Chiefs
Look for the Chiefs to use free agency to upgrade their offensive line, particularly left tackle. The line was exposed in Super Bowl LIX, making pass protection a high priority. The team used the franchise tag to retain guard Trey Smith, and although draft picks could be used to fill other holes, GM Brett Veach said free agency is likely the route the team will take at left tackle.
The Chiefs will be selective, though, he cautioned. “We’re going to exhaust as much time and whatever resources we have. … I just want to make sure you’re investing resources on a good player, not just investing resources just to say we addressed (the roster need).” — Mike Jones
Las Vegas Raiders
We already knew the Raiders really need a quarterback — likely two — and they were all in on Matthew Stafford, only to have Stafford change his tune and stay with the Rams for what sounds like less money. So, the biggest takeaway from Indy is that Raiders coach Pete Carroll wants to bring back most of their defensive free agents — eight starters from last season — which might be tough. Safety Tre’von Moehrig, cornerback Nate Hobbs, pass rusher Malcolm Koonce and linebacker Robert Spillane have all drawn significant interest from teams, according to league sources. — Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have a hole at center. Bradley Bozeman was a one-year stopgap in 2024. But he is a pending free agent, and the Chargers need an upgrade. GM Joe Hortiz revealed a potential creative solution in Indy: Moving former 2022 first-round pick Zion Johnson from guard to center. Heading into the combine, center was a pressing need — one the Chargers could have addressed very early in the draft. Now, however, Johnson is the plan in the middle of the line, and I would be surprised if the Chargers look at center before Day 3. — Daniel Popper
Los Angeles Rams
I don’t want to sound like a jerk. But did the Rams possibly have the best NFL combine of any of the 32 teams, all without being there in person? They locked in quarterback Matthew Stafford on Friday to effectively a year-to-year deal that they will revisit again in early 2026. They extended their starting left tackle, Alaric Jackson, on a three-year deal before he hit the open free agency market. They got a sixth-round pick back for Jonah Jackson, who played just four games after signing a three-year, $51 million contract last offseason. And they didn’t even attend!
Advertisement
Now, a very small number of executives did go to Indianapolis to discuss their upcoming free agents with player representatives. A scout or two went for a day or so to finish handing out their annual player tests. The medical staff got its standard intel. But overall, the operation stayed in L.A. but for a few senior scouts – who showed up for a couple hours on Thursday to pick up an award for “best draft class of 2024”, as voted upon by their peers.
Yeah, that’s a good combine – and because of the Stafford situation, the draft itself took lower priority, at least on my list. On the topic of their incoming class? I expect it to be offense-heavy with a focus on receivers, right tackle and tight end, even though Sean McVay said veterans Rob Havenstein and Tyler Higbee will return in 2025. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Miami Dolphins
Safety can officially be added to the list of major needs Miami must address this offseason. That always seemed like it would be true, but coach Mike McDaniel pretty much confirmed it last week in Indianapolis when he said star safety Jevon Holland had “earned the right” to test free agency.
That’s the same thing GM Chris Grier said last offseason about defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who signed a $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Given the other holes the Dolphins have to fill this offseason, and the limited cap space they have with which to do it, it’s no surprise they weren’t planning to pay top dollar to retain Holland. However, now we know they’re likely to target the position at some point during the NFL Draft. — Jim Ayello
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are going to be active when free agency begins next week. They need reinforcements on the interior of the offensive line, the interior of the defensive line, at cornerback and elsewhere. They also have more than $60 million in cap space. The market will be competitive, but Minnesota will be squarely in the mix for some premium options.
The two most interesting targets are guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Milton Williams. Secure one of those players, and the Vikings will immediately strengthen the trenches, which is a primary offseason focus. Miss out on both players, and Minnesota will adapt with more money to spend at different spots. Simply put: Expect a flurry of activity. — Alec Lewis
New England Patriots
This offseason is all about the trenches for the Patriots. Yes, they have a major need at wide receiver. And they could use help at cornerback and tight end, too. But the focus is on improving the offensive and defensive lines. So it won’t be a surprise if the Patriots use their first- and second-round picks on the trenches. Of course, plans could change after free agency. But for now, Mike Vrabel’s first offseason is all about improving on the O-line and D-line. — Chad Graff
Advertisement
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr still seems to be the Saints’ guy at quarterback. When asked at the combine about Carr, general manager Mickey Loomis told reporters, “I think we feel like we’ve got a guy we can win with, and we’re excited about him.” That doesn’t sound like a team that’s going into a complete rebuild.
Loomis also said the team will be more of a player in free agency than it was last year. “I think we’ll be able to add a few pieces. It just depends upon the who and the where and the cost, right? (But) I expect us to be active,” Loomis said.
Does Carr give the Saints the best chance to win in 2025? Yes. And the NFC South is still a mediocre, winnable division. Still, new coach Kellen Moore will have his work cut out for him heading into free agency and the draft. — Larry Holder
New York Giants
Joe Schoen wasn’t joking when he said he plans to take “big swings” for a quarterback. The Giants general manager aggressively pursued a trade for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. But the Giants weren’t able to lure Stafford away from Los Angeles with a contract offer that reportedly would have paid him up to $100 million guaranteed over two years.
The Giants have been linked to every possible quarterback scenario — signing Aaron Rodgers, trading up for the No. 1 pick — since Stafford’s return to LA. It’s unclear which avenue Schoen will choose, but it’s obvious that he’s prepared to go all-in for a quarterback upgrade in his fourth season. — Dan Duggan
Pay up for a free agent? Trade up in the draft? Sign Aaron Rodgers?
What's the best way for the Giants to fill their hole at QB?
What @DMRussini is hearing: https://t.co/i2SYk2p8rr pic.twitter.com/s0w4xIDDay
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 2, 2025
New York Jets
The Jets are seriously viewing Tyrod Taylor as an option at quarterback in 2025 — even if that’s just as a stopgap for a rookie or competition for another veteran they bring into training camp. Both general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn raved about him in their news conferences and Taylor is known to be popular in the Jets locker room — most importantly, wide receiver Garrett Wilson is a fan.
Taylor is 35 and has struggled to stay healthy, but he brings some mobility and a willingness to throw the ball downfield that was missing with Aaron Rodgers last year. He can be a solid enough starter, if not flawed — and it’s time to consider the possibility that he’s their starter in Week 1. They’ll look at other options, in the draft and in free agency (Justin Fields, Carson Wentz, Kirk Cousins are names to consider), but Taylor will be in the mix. — Zack Rosenblatt
Advertisement
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles offseason may not be as boring as they’ve suggested. GM Howie Roseman publicly tempered expectations for any splash moves on two separate occasions. First, before the Super Bowl, by telling reporters this offseason would be different than the last due to the number of veterans they have under hefty contract extensions. Second, at the combine, by telling reporters the Eagles are not in position to make a major trade involving their first-round pick this year. Indeed, Philadelphia would need a little budget magic with just $21.9 million available in cap space to make an acquisition like Myles Garrett work. But those I spoke to within the organization and with other teams weren’t as definitive that a major move was completely off the table. Think of metaphorically walking up to place a stack of chips on the roulette table, only for the dealer to tilt his head and give you the side eye. You sure you want to bet against it? — Brooks Kubena
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have made it clear under GM Omar Khan that they want to win games by controlling the line of scrimmage. After aggressively upgrading the offensive line in his first two drafts, look for Khan to continue that transformation in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon and Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen could all be candidates in the first round. If the Steelers select a WR instead at pick No. 21, look for Khan and company to tap into the deep DT class in the second round. One way or another, this is a key priority. — Mike DeFabo
GO DEEPER
NFL mock draft: How far could Shedeur Sanders slide? Will Titans move No. 1 pick?
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers met with a number of defensive ends at the combine, including one of the players who turned heads at the event, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart. He measured 6-5, 267 pounds with 34 ⅛-inch arms, had a 40-inch vertical leap and ran his 40-yard dash in a linebacker-like 4.59 seconds. The 49ers are especially interested in the 10-yard split for defensive linemen, and Stewart’s was an impressive 1.58 seconds. (By comparison, Nick Bosa’s was 1.62 seconds).
Stewart is no shoo-in with the 11th pick. Despite all his gifts, he had just 1 ½ sacks last season and the team would be taking a leap of faith that part of his game would improve. Still, he’s built like a three-down “Bosa bookend” and might be a person of interest for San Francisco in the first round. – Matt Barrows
Seattle Seahawks
John Schneider’s approach hasn’t changed. The Seattle general manager began his news conference remarks by saying he feels sorry for Seahawks fans, who have watched two playoff-less seasons in a row for the first time in his 15 years with the team. But those results seem unlikely to spark a pivot from Schneider’s team-building philosophy which features in-house talent retention and conservative free-agent spending with an emphasis on the draft. I also don’t get the sense Seattle is interested in selling off parts this offseason. The Seahawks are maintaining the status quo of retaining their core while being fiscally responsible about making additions. They just plan to be better at executing that plan this offseason. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are considering a way to get Tykee Smith more playing time, an indication of their confidence in his growth potential. Smith played primarily as a slot cornerback in 2024, finishing with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. The 2024 third-round pick also was mostly a slot cornerback at Georgia. But he has expressed a desire to stay on the field more by playing safety, and Bucs coach Todd Bowles indicated a willingness to explore the possibilities. The Bucs might want to keep Smith at slot corner on nickel downs and play him at safety in base defenses, which could enable them to fulfill a goal of having their best 11 players on the field more frequently. — Dan Pompei
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are going to gather every last bit of gatherable information about the quarterbacks at the top of the draft before they entertain trade discussions or the idea of throwing money at a veteran quarterback. This is the correct approach. And with Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders (along with Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter) reportedly making Nashville visits before free agency begins, the Titans will have all they need to ponder, discuss and potentially argue over the direction of the franchise from there. Go after a Sam Darnold, seek to trade out of No. 1 and build around a proven signal caller? Or try again to find a star at the position at the top of the draft, after failing to do so previously in the 21st century with Marcus Mariota, Jake Locker and Vince Young? It’s a fascinating, regime-defining decision. — Joe Rexrode
Advertisement
Washington Commanders
We learned that with the draft, anything is possible (Kevin Garnett voice). Washington has 28 free agents including LB Bobby Wagner and TE Zach Ertz. None are must-keep players but who stays and who leaves will obviously impact their free agency plans and in turn, what happens in the draft.
The Deebo Samuel trade addressed their offensive playmaker need, but the Commanders need more help at receiver and nearly every position group on the roster. Ultimately, Washington’s primary concerns are edge defender/defensive line and offensive tackle. Big swings occur there more likely in the draft, but the Commanders can re-sign many of their own free agents to afford themselves the chance to take shots wherever they find value – and players who want to join Jayden Daniels. — Ben Standig
(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos: Michael Owens, Stacy Revere, Justin Casterline / Getty Images)